Anthem Extends Payment Deadline, Again

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut will be extending its payment deadline for consumers who purchased plans on the exchange from Jan. 15 to Jan. 31.

It’s the second time in less than a week the company has extended the deadline.

“We recognize that some members have made check or credit card payments that have not yet been processed by Anthem,” the company says on its web page dedicated to Connecticut customers. “We anticipate this payment processing backlog to be cleared in the next several days, and you should receive your card in 7-10 business days.”

Last week, State Healthcare Advocate Victoria Veltri said most of the phone calls to her office have been from Anthem customers who had signed up but had not received their bills or were unable to print an ID card because of a lack of billing information.

Anthem is the largest of the three insurers offering plans on Connecticut’s exchange and they account for about two-thirds of the 34,295 individuals who enrolled before Dec. 23.

The Connecticut Insurance Department is instructing Anthem customers to follow the Connecticut-specific instructions posted on Anthem’s website. The instructions tell customers exactly how to make a payment online or in person. It also explains how to obtain an ID card.

“The Insurance Department is aware that delays in confirmation are causing frustration and uncertainty and has been working with Anthem to ensure that they meet the needs of their customers as swiftly as possible,” the agency said in a statement. “The Department requires carriers to make good on their obligations to their policyholders. Consumers are encouraged to contact the Department Consumer Affairs Division with questions or complaints.”